Wests Tigers recruit Gebbie

The National Sports
Kumuls flyer joins NRL club for 2021

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls speedster and former Lae Tiger Edene Gebbie has joined National Rugby League (NRL) side Wests Tigers on a development contract for next season.
The former Wynnum Manly Seagull was recently named in the SP Hunters’ 37-man train-on squad for next season in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC).
But coach Matthew Church will now be without the 2019 ISC fullback of the year who scored 29 tries in 37 ISC games since his Hunters debut against the Ipswich Jets in March of 2018.
“I have been in discussions with the Tigers who have confirmed that they have signed him on a development contract,” the Australian said.
“Gebbie has been in touch with me to let me know that he’s still waiting for some documents around his contract and travel to Sydney.
“NRL clubs have 30-man squads.
“After that, they have six development contracts which I’m told Gebbie has been offered one.
“This means they have a capped squad size of 36 for next season.
“NRL clubs usually have until June 30 to fill their squads.”
Church said the 25-year-old could be elevated into the squad if the Tigers were hit with injuries or poor form.
“I believe he was on the same contract with the Rabbitohs last year but the Covid-19 pandemic saw the reduction of squad sizes to 32 players,” he said.
“So it was best to send Gebbie home to be with his family rather than remain in Sydney, training alone without getting to play any games.
“The NRL’s Covid-19 bubble meant that Gebbie wouldn’t be allowed to train or attend any clubs commitments for the 2020 season.”
Church said the Hunters would help Gebbie make a smooth transition to the Sydney-based Tigers.
“The Hunters have offered him support and training to ensure he arrives in Sydney ready to start his pre-season with the Tigers,” he said.

24 comments

  • its a way forward for the Kumul pride.
    a little advice is, stick in their with great patients until it is done, please never loose hope for this is not just call but it is a call of chosen. you have been chosen to represent everyone of us, please make us proud come 2021.

    cheers

  • Didn’t get to run with the Snax Tigers in the Digicel Cup competition this year but still was able to get an NRL contract. This tells Edene Gebbie has what it takes to mix it with the best in the best RL competition in the Rugby League playing nations. God Speed Champ!

  • South Sydney is an established club with established players. The fact that they drafted him anyway is a big plus for his growth in the game. He should do well in the Tigers as it is a club that is rebuilding. All the best to him. He’s one of our fine players and deserves a spot in the NRL.

  • Well done humble young man, you’ve done it again with another NRL club (West Tigers). PNG will be behind you and others who are playing in the various NRL clubs in Australia. Sky is the limit man!! Congratulations.

  • Well done and Congrats Brother Gabbie. Looking forward to watch another country man in NRL.
    With You Gabbie.Team Ultimax from your little home.

  • He will be on train and trial, just like Ipape did with Sea Eagles. He is not on development squad.

  • Congrats…Edene. Train and trial or development squard, it doesn’t make any difference at all. As long as you you are scouted by an NRL club (West Tigers). Not NSW cup or Queensland Intra Super Cup. Prove your critics wrong and secure a permanent sport. If Olam can do it…you also can do it too. Go Edene…..

  • Congratulations to him. Hope to see him get some game time with the Tigers when the opportunity arises.

  • Make the most of it Edene. Olam knows how he has done it. Perhaps a few tips from him will help harness your potential.

  • I’ve watched his footage, I think he has what it takes to be an NRL. Pitty Snax Tigers didnt use him in their grand final. He is a quality player. My advice stick your head down and commit your self the rest will follow. Congratulations country man. Will be watching your progress very closely so dont let us down.

  • My accknowledgement to the West Tigers Club selectors and the rest of team management for the selection of Papua New Guinea own breed, speedster Edene Gebbie.

    I have no disinclination in him for his inputs in the West Tiger team as he given a positive probability to partake. Thus, he will still make a difference for the betterment of West Tigers coming years.

    My Simple congratulation to the humble young man for the greatest acheivement at the international level for the World of Sports.

    Go! Go! the PNG Speedstar. PNG is by your side and the international Justin Olam.

    Enoch MacTeine Agyonga
    Giriu Village
    Chuave Chimbu Province

  • just be who you are, grab every opportunity at training, and things will fall in line, and you will be blessed!!

  • Congratulations Gebbie. Many thanks to West Tigers for taking him on board. He is our (PNG’s) Ambassador and we are proud of him being offered this contract by the Tigers.

  • Thank you Gebbie you join my favorite club so I am proud of you I know you will take it to next level and I put my trust in you and that’s means Tigers will win the NRL Grand final

  • He Will definitely soar like an eagle. Sorry Rabbitohs it was an unfortunate situation that you had to let an exciting and high class play pass by. Good luck edene you deserve it.

Comments are closed.